January 22, 2010 | WHYY-FM’s Radio Times with Marty Moss-Coane
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The use of unsterile needles by injectable drug users is a major source of HIV and hepatitis C infection. Needle exchange programs in which drug users turn in their dirty needles for clean ones, have been shown to be effective in reducing disease transmission. Currently there are only two needle exchange programs in Pennsylvania. But recent changes may increase access to clean needles. Last month the ban on federal funding for needle exchange has been lifted. Also, prescriptions are no longer required at pharmacies to purchase a syringe. “Needle exchange programs have been attacked as being soft on drugs or even encouraging drug use, and of course there is no evidence to support that,” said Scott Burris, a law professor at Temple’s Beasley School of Law. “But meanwhile for every state that doesn’t have a needle exchange program but does have injection drug users at risk for HIV, you’re talking abut hundreds or thousands of lives that are lost.”